Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Preparing for HDTV

HDTV, high definition television, is fast becoming the new standard in television broadcasting. HDTV provides a truly good picture quality. HD provides much more detailed and realistic images than standard analog television. Many stations are already broadcasting in HDTV with many more soon to follow. In order to view HDTV properly you need to have an HDTV ready television set. Most new sets are HDTV ready. These sets can display programs in high definition or standard definition. While you can view HDTV programming with a regular television set it won't look it's best.

HDTV
broadcasts in digital format. This means that the signals are sent digitally and the viewer needs a digital converter to see the programming. Satellite converter boxes automatically provide this conversion. There seems to be a lot of confusion among customers about the digital programming and HDTV.

First, it is important to note that all HD is in digital format. However, not all digital programming is HD. Digital programming is a type of transmission format used for sending television signals. Digital programming is the most advanced method and preferred over analog signals for clarity and picture quality. The latest FCC rulings will ensure that all televisions stations will broadcast only in digital by February of 2009. This means that by 2009 you must use either a television that is digital ready or get a converter box in order to view local television programming. The easier alternative is to subscribe to satellite programming such as Direct TV.

HDTV channels are included in satellite television lineups. Direct TV provides the most extensive HD programming right now with more than 92 HD stations in 77 cities. With the addition of a new satellite that will be brought on line in September these numbers will increase to over 100 HD stations. This will continue to ensure that Direct TV remains the leading satellite provider. At the same time more and more stations are broadcasting in HD.

Technically speaking, you’ll need to upgrade your service to include HD programming. HD is provided as a digital format. You will need at least the basic digital service to receive high definition programs. Along with the HDTV subscription package you will need to include a set-top box, similar to the standard definition type you probably have currently. The box is also a DVR, digital recording receiver so that you can record programs quickly and easily. The programs are stored on the digital media making your VCR obsolete. You can also pause live television, rewind and watch two programs at the same time.

Once you have an HD television set you should upgrade your satellite subscription to include HD stations if it already doesn't. Then make sure that you choose the enhanced HD versions of the broadcast so that you can get the most from your television. Eventually all programming will be transmitted in high definition. Anyone who is considering purchasing a new television set right now should absolutely choose one that has HD capabilities. These televisions have become more reasonably priced and are widely available by all the major television brands. You can find HDTV in projection, LCD and plasma types. The new HD experience will truly change the way you watch TV.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

DirectTV – New Satellites Provide More Channels

The first satellite for DIRECTTV was launched back in 1994. Since that time, this particular company has grown to the point of being the largest satellite television provider in existence. Today, it is estimated that more than 16 million people subscribe to these services, based on the 15 satellites now in space. Even better, the customer service DIRECTTV offers is considered among the best.

Once satellites are sent out into space, a DIRECTTV satellite system and television can provide businesses and consumers alike with a huge choice of programming that would not otherwise be seen. With the package offered, viewers have the chance to enjoy a free satellite dish, up to four free receivers, universal remotes, and more.

Some of the satellites launched from 2002 to late 2007 include the Boeing 702, DIRECTTV-8, and DIRECTTV-5. The Boeing 702 is a direct broadcast satellite, which means it is designed for high definition television. Launched in the summer of 2007, it currently operates in space at 102.775 degrees west longitude. However, the latest satellites completed for DIRECTTV include the Boeing, DIRECTTV-11 and DIRECTTV-12. The 11 model just launched on March of this year and the 12 model is waiting to be launched.

Both DIRECTTV-10 and DIRECTTV-11 are located together with the Spaceway 1 and 2 satellites. The Spaceway satellites were originally made for one-way broadcasting on 500 MHZ of spectrum and for two-way internet service. However, to create a more robust and enhanced connection, DIRECTTV worked closely with Boeing to come up with the new satellites now in space.

Originally, DIRECTTV-11 was going to launch back in November of 2007 by Sea Launch. However, when a failure occurred at this organization, the facility became damaged, resulting in the launch date being set for March and by a different company. The result was a perfect DIRECTTV satellite launch on the 19th at 22:47-59. Just 61 minutes after launch, the rocket carrier separated and the satellite was successfully sent into space where it could provide signals needed for high definition television.

Because every television will have to be high definition compatible by 2009, it is likely that more satellites will launch to keep up with high demand from DIRECTTV business and home subscribers. It is also likely that the quality and abilities of these satellites will be even greater than the satellites currently being used. The exciting thing is that DIRECTTV has stayed on top of the program and competition by providing an exceptional product. Today, millions of people have hundreds of new programs, all with absolute clarity and outstanding sound because of high definition. While some bugs will need to be worked out, DIRECTTV offers programming that has changed the way in which people watch television.